IoT provider Soracom has expanded its proof-of-concept collaboration programme to include new iSIM-compatible modules from Quectel and Murata.

This expanded partnership supports commercial deployment of iSIM (integrated subscriber identity module) for its customers and follows, in June 2021, a joint iSIM proof of concept with Sony Semiconductor Israel, a cellular IoT chipset provider, and Kigen, a specialist in secure authentication for cellular IoT devices.

ISIM technology has advantages over existing SIM and eSIM technology, including reduced physical size, simplified circuitry, smaller board footprint, improved processing capacity, greater energy savings, higher security, lower cost and simplified commercial distribution. The iSIM standard integrates communication modules, SIM and eSIM functions into a single system-on-chip (SoC) and offers a hardware-secured area within the chip for data integrity.

“We are pleased to make iSIM technology available commercially and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with global technology leaders to help accelerate this development,” said Soracom CEO Ken Tamagawa. “ISIM technology matches perfectly with Soracom’s subscription containers feature, which lets users download new profiles over the air as needed. ISIM represents the future of SIM technology, and this collaboration puts our customers at the leading edge of IoT development.”

Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen, added: “ISIM technology is a game changer for anyone who wants to secure data originating from connected devices whether it’s for delivering unique customer experiences or for AI. The commercial availability of iSIM on Soracom’s network is the result of extensive collaborative testing of the Kigen iSIM OS using the market-leading modules and chipsets.”

And Sony vice president Dima Feldman said: “We have been at the forefront of the development of iSIM technology, which will greatly contribute to the evolution of cellular IoT devices. The combination of Soracom’s LPWA modules and iSIM technology accelerates implementation efforts for customers, allowing them to develop advantages in cost, size, security and power consumption.”

Customer interest in iSIM-compatible products has increased steadily since 2021 and module vendors have expanded related product offerings. This partnership will allow interested Soracom customers to secure the Quectel BG773 and Murata Type 1SC iSIM-compatible modules for use in IoT deployments.

“Together with leading companies in the cellular IoT industry, we have developed a solution that will let our customers bring a new generation of IoT products to market,” said Akira Sasaki, general manager at Murata. “This product is a compact, power-saving, low-cost cellular LPWA module that can be used in a variety of IoT applications.”

Michael Wallon, senior vice president at Quectel Wireless, added: “We are very pleased to offer Soracom customers the BG773, an LPWA module with ultra-low power consumption and robust security that supports LTE Cat M1, Cat NB1 and NB2. By combining our iSIM-enabled communication modules with the Soracom connectivity platform, customers can easily implement integrated, cost-effective, sustainable and secure IoT at scale, while streamlining their global IoT deployment and paving the way to a smarter world.”

Soracom is a technology partner to more than 20,000 start-ups, SMBs and enterprises, connecting more than five million IoT devices globally.